Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 130

2026 Convention Workbook
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OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
o Rotating history exhibits in the exhibition hall in the 
CHI 
building on the campus of Concordia Seminary, 
St. Louis
•	 The 80-page, illustrated Concordia Historical Institute 
Quarterly (CHIQ), the longest-running journal of Lutheran 
history in North America, now in its 99th year
•	 A redesigned, smartphone-friendly website with access to 
the CHI catalogs and offering an expanding array of down-
loadable historical resources
•	 An annual awards program—now in its 53rd year—recog -
nizing excellence in publishing Lutheran historical scholar -
ship
•	 A newly launched CHI Monograph Series, making signif-
icant research in historical topics available in English and 
other languages
•	 Hill of Peace Lutheran Memorial in Friedenberg, Missou-
ri—a historic touchstone of 19th-century Lutheran faith and 
life
B. Major Accomplishments Over the Last 
Triennium
B.1. Developed and Shared Resources to Observe/
Commemorate Synod-Related Anniversaries
Over the past three years, CHI has produced and shared a wide 
range of resources to commemorate key anniversaries in Synod his-
tory, including the following:
•	 Fall 2021: A 
museum exhibit marking the 500th anniversary 
of the first numismatic portrait of Martin Luther, featuring 
more than 70 artistic portrayals of Luther, Katharina von 
Bora, Philip Melanchthon, and Frederick the Wise
•	 Spring 2022:
 The 175th 
anniversary of the LCMS, observed 
through a special full-color CHIQ issue, a commemorative 
bronze medal, 49 downloadable biographies, new publica -
tions, and Walther Roundtable XXXIII
•	 Fall 2022:  Online museum 
exhibit commemorating the 
500th anniversary of Martin Chemnitz’s birth
•	 2022–2023: Multiple CHIQ 
essays and issues recognizing 
LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Deaf Ministry, the 
Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference, and the 1973 
New Orleans convention
•	 2024:
 Extensive observance 
of the 50th anniversary of the 
1974 Concordia Seminary walkout, including bibliogra -
phies, special issues, and a major scholarly publication
•	 2024–2026: Commemorations of 
KFUO Radio, missionary 
journeys, global mission work, the Wisconsin Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod, and Lutheran history in the United States
CHI is preparing to commemorate upcoming ethnic ministry 
and mission anniversaries in Brazil, Latin America, and Japan in 
the next three years, supported by museum exhibits, multilingual 
publications, and special presentations.
B.2. Expansion and Greater Accessibility of CHI’s 
Archival Collection
CHI has continued to prioritize the retrieval and preservation of 
records from closed Synod congregations, institutions, and church 
leaders. Significant progress includes the processing of archival 
R15
Concordia Historical Institute
The Department of Archives and History 
of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
concordiahistoricalinstitute.org
Treasuring and Trumpeting the Redeeming Work of Christ 
in the Faith and Life of the Missouri Synod
Under our three-year convention theme, Christ Is Risen Indeed 
(1 Cor. 15:20–22), Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) reminds the 
Synod that its history is a sacred trust—one we are called not only 
to preserve, but to joyfully proclaim. Our Lord Jesus Christ has re-
deemed not only His people, but our history as well. Because of this, 
CHI staff and board continue to steward the resources entrusted to 
us so that the Institute may continue to serve as the premier provider 
of Lutheran historical resources for Synod leadership, districts, con-
gregations, and families. Soli Deo gloria.
A. Our Charge: Active Stewardship of Luther-
an Historical and Archival Resources
The roots of CHI reach back to the founding of the LCMS 179 
years ago, when the Synod Secretary was tasked with recording the 
church’s history and preserving documents and artifacts of lasting 
historical value. Officially incorporated as a nonprofit institution in 
1927, CHI has continued this mission—retrieving, organizing, pre-
serving, and sharing historical treasures for the benefit of church 
and community. Today, CHI serves as a resource for Synod, district, 
university, and congregational archives, giving fresh opportunities 
for us to rediscover Christ’s merciful hand as we recall major anni-
versaries related to the Missouri Synod.
As the Synod’s official department of archives and history (By-
law 3.6.2), CHI curates the largest Lutheran archival collection in 
North America. This collection includes documents, publications, 
rare books, photographs, audiovisual materials, artifacts, numis-
matics, and fine art connected to the Reformation and the Luther -
an Church in North America. CHI’s primary area of collection en-
compasses all materials directly related to the history of the Synod, 
while its secondary scope includes materials that provide essential 
historical context for understanding that 179-year history.
Through these efforts, CHI documents the life of a church body 
that, by the mercy and grace of Christ and His Word, has endured 
crises, navigated conflict, and continued to grow and flourish in dif-
ficult and threatening times.
Currently, CHI actively manages the following:
•	 Over 20,000 linear feet of archival materials—nearly 67 foot-
ball fields in length—preserved in climate-controlled facil -
ities
•	 A rapidly expanding collection of historic photographs, film, 
audio and video recordings, artifacts (many originating from 
the mission field), numismatic pieces, and fine art
•	 Professional archival and research services that organize, 
catalog, digitize, and provide access to more than 4 million 
individual items
•	 Two high-quality museums:
o
 A 
permanent Reformation and LCMS history exhibit at 
the LCMS International Center in Kirkwood, Missouri